One of Grand Cayman's quietest and least mechanized watersports is kayaking the North Sound. Started in the 1990s by Brian Davis, a former bee keeper from Canada and long-time Grand Cayman divemaster, kayak tours last for 3-4 hours and involve 2-3 miles of paddling.

North Sound may offer more than 20 miles of shoreline for kayaking, but the coves and canals near Rum Point have everything needed for a lazy, informative trip.

The slower you go, the more you'll see.

We start by exploring a canal that leads into North Sound, normally good kayaking on the windiest day. But even if the Sound should chop up, you need only a few strokes to reach a large side lagoon.

As I stir the water with our paddles, I realize this is the longest I haven't heard a mechanical sound of some sort in weeks, maybe months. The quiet is startling.

Although I provide all the kayak's momentum during the afternoon, the trip turns out to be unexpectedly relaxing.

Thanks to a kayak's stealth, you have the opportunity to spot tarpon and hawksbill turtles in the mangrove channels, view snowy and cattle egrets on the branches, and watch frigate birds circle overhead.

A lot of activity, yet it's still unknown to most Grand Cayman visitors.

Kayak Tour Operators

Sundivers Cayman Kayak Adventures: One and 2-person open kayaks for exploring North Sound, maximum of eight participants. The four-hour trips include hotel pickup, transport to Rum Point and lunch. Call 345/926-1234; Web site www.caymankayakadventures.com .

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